City Council November 19, 2009 Regular Meeting Summary

November 19, 2009

New Orleans, LA - November 19, 2009 - Today the New Orleans City Council passed an Ordinance creating the Indigent Defender Fund, and a Motion supporting new construction of the Algiers Regional Library.

Additionally, the Council passed Resolutions supporting National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month, and recognizing Congressman Cao for thanking the HonorAir program.

The Council also honored local armed forces and received activity updates from military leaders as part of the annual Military Appreciation Day.

Created Indigent Defender Fund

The Council passed Ordinance Calendar No. 27,767, authored by Councilmember Hedge-Morrell, to create a new fund to be designated as the Indigent Defender Fund for the receipt and accounting of the proceeds from the $5.00 fee on the automated traffic enforcement system that have been dedicated to the Indigent Defender Office.

District "D" Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell said, "The creation of this fund will assist in expediting and streamlining the process of getting these funds to the Indigent Defender Office, where they belong. The Indigent Defender Office is an integral part of our criminal justice system, and it is vital that we ensure that the Office receives adequate and appropriate funding."

Supported New Construction of Algiers Regional Library

The Council passed Motion M-09-642, authored by Councilmember Carter, directing the City Planning Commission to conduct a public hearing to consider a Conditional Use to permit construction of Algiers Regional Library.

District "C" Councilmember James Carter said, "This project is a long-awaited and much-needed community resource for Algiers. Residents of Algiers are devoted library users, and we will do all we can to expedite the construction of this state-of-the-art facility."

Honored Local Armed Forces during Military Appreciation Day

Military leaders and representatives of local armed forces organizations

Major General David Mize

Bill Detweiler

The Mayor's Military Advisory Committee (MMAC) appeared before the Council to conduct the annual Military Appreciation Day activities including the Committee's annual report, performances by the Marine Band, and activity updates from military leaders of local armed forces organizations. Representative groups of active military members from each service were in attendance for Military Appreciation Day.

Committee Chairman Major General David Mize led the presentation and introduced military leaders from armed forces organizations including the U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Marine Forces Reserve, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, and the U.S. Navy. Each military leader presented the Council with an update on the activities of their respective armed forces organization, as well as news of interest to the community.

Councilmembers expressed their gratitude to all the armed forces representatives present in the Chamber and commended them for their service and dedication to New Orleans.

Bill Detweiler, Consultant to the National World War II Museum President on Military & Veterans Affairs, appeared to thank the military for their ongoing support of the WWII Museum. Mayor C. Ray Nagin was also present to acknowledge the armed forces representatives and to express his gratitude for their ongoing commitment to serving others.

Supported National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month

The Council passed Resolution R-09-647, co-authored by Councilmembers Fielkow and Head, supporting the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month, and encourages citizens of New Orleans to consider adoption during the month of November and all throughout the year.

National Adoption Month occurs in November and National Adoption Day is November 21st.

Council President Arnie Fielkow said, "Since the first National Adoption Day in 2000, more than 25,000 children have joined families during National Adoption Day. We must continue to support a collective national effort to find permanent, loving families for children in the foster care system. As the proud parent of two adopted daughters, my family understands well the importance of such an important national recognition of adoption."

District "B" Councilmember Stacy Head said, "There are approximately 510,000 children in the foster care system in the United States - we must encourage committed and dedicated individuals to make a difference in the life of a child through adoption."

Recognized Congressman Cao for Thanking the Honor Air Program

Murray Nelson and Larry Jones

J.J. Witmeyer

The Council passed Resolution R-09-650, authored by Councilmember Clarkson, thanking Congressman Cao's office for taking the time to thank the HonorAir program, which allows us to better recognize and thank our members of "the Greatest Generation."

HonorAir is a non-profit program that flies World War II veterans to the National WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C., as well as the Marine Corps Memorial, and to lay a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier to show our nation's gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Since the Honor Flights begin in early 2007, nearly 2,000 veterans have flown free-of-charge to the Capital.

On November 2nd Congressman Anh 'Joseph' Cao passed a House Resolution (H.Res. 828) to recognize and commemorate the 20th chartered flight of Louisiana HonorAir as "Louisiana HonorAir Day." Larry Jones of HonorAir Louisiana, and Murray Nelson, Congressman Cao's District Director, were present to express their gratitude to the Council for recognizing the HonorAir program.

Additionally, WWII veteran J.J. Witmeyer of Harahan was present to discuss his experiences as a WWII veteran and his experience participating in the HonorAir program, and to thank Councilmembers for honoring the military.

Council Vice President Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson said, "We are very thankful to Congressman Cao for recognizing the importance of the HonorAir program. This program demonstrates the utmost respect for all our WWII veterans and gives them all the opportunity to enjoy a free visit to their monument in Washington, D.C."